December 9, 2010

Business, Relationships, and Trips from **Wife of a Wounded Marine** by Karie

So my life is changing at Mach speed. Everyday something new comes up and even though my days are fairly slow, they are extremely stressful. Honestly, I like it that way.

My newest project is to open up a shoe store. After finishing up the Entrepreneur bootcamp at Syracuse University I have a ton of confidence and I feel I have the support needed to be successful. And honestly, even if it isn't successful, what's the worst that could happen? Failure doesn't scare me as much as it use to. All it means is that it's time to move on to the next thing! I am well on my way to a Spring opening. That is what I'm hoping for anyway. This Summer on the Gulf Coast is suppose to be amazing for tourists. I don't want to miss out on that. Once I have the building locked down and the name is confirmed by the state, I'll give more details. :)

A few posts ago I mentioned that I had met someone. Well, he's still around and still amazing. I thought I'd touch up on that. I won't say there hasn't been a few issues. I have really had to teach myself how to balance missing my husband and moving on with my life in a way that is healthy but isn't dragging the people I love around me down. I have had quite a few spazzy moments. Being in a relationship is a scary thing for me. I loved my husband, but he wasn't always good to me. Not to mention, I miss him constantly. It has been a little difficult to let the things of the past go. Realizing that not all people are going to hurt you, the sky doesn't always fall on your face, the people I love are not going to all drop dead, and sometimes things are just meant to be... quiet... and that's ok. I think I'm doing an ok job with everything. Time is my friend.

Sgt. Mike Stokely died Aug. 16, 2005, in Iraq. He was one of those
extraordinary young men who have a tremendous impact on so many people
even though his time among us was cut short.
To honor his memory, Stokely's family has organized the Mike Stokely
Foundation for the purpose of helping children and others who might not
otherwise be able to afford it gain access to good books and the skills
needed to read them for pleasure and learning.
"Mike loved to read, from the time he was a small child till the day he
died in Iraq. In fact, during the last call his Dad received on Aug. 8,
2005, he talked in glowing terms about how much he appreciated reading
material sent to him," his family explains.
If you would like to help honor the memory of one of America's fallen,
more information about the Mike Stokely Foundation at P. O. Box 833 Sharpsburg GA 30277.
The telephone is 678-416-1387